From Our Correspondent
When Nara Lokesh describes the Telugu Desam Party’s internal management system as the “Zoho for political parties,” it offers a glimpse into how one of India’s youngest political leaders views politics—not merely as electoral competition, but as an organisation that can be measured, managed and scaled.
In a wide-ranging conversation at the Express Adda, the Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister spoke about everything from Donald Trump and Rahul Gandhi to election financing and the future of regional parties. Yet beneath the political commentary was a consistent theme: institutions matter more than individuals, and long-term success depends on systems rather than slogans.
For a politician often viewed through the prism of his family’s political legacy, Lokesh’s emphasis on technology and organisation reveals a distinctly managerial approach to politics.
On International Influence and Young Politicians
When asked if young Indian politicians are emulating Donald Trump, Lokesh stated he does not believe they are. Instead, he suggests politicians can learn to create a “sense of pride” in their nation from Trump. Regarding other figures, he expressed a desire to learn from Himanta Biswa Sarma’s humility and “hyper energy,” and Joseph Vijay’s ability to capture the imagination of youth through social media.
Family and Personal Reflections
Reflecting on his father’s career, Lokesh noted that a mistake he learned from was the need for a father to spend more time with his son. He emphasized his own commitment as a “young dad,” noting he always attends his son’s parent-teacher meetings.
Youth Representation in the TDP
Lokesh highlighted the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) focus on the youth, noting that 50% of their legislators are first-timers and 17 out of 25 ministers are also serving for the first time. He pointed out that they have the youngest parliamentary party and the youngest cabinet minister in Indian history.
On Political Strategy and Figures
- Prashant Kishor: Lokesh noted Kishor has done well advising parties but has yet to see his own electoral success. His advice to Kishor is to “keep at it” and his personal lesson is to never take elections for granted until the last vote is polled.
- Rahul Gandhi: Although they have never met, Lokesh appreciated Gandhi’s Padayatra (foot march), noting from his own experience that such a journey has a deep impact. His advice was that “learnings have to be imbibed; you can’t just walk and forget”.
- Abhishek Banerjee and TMC: He observed that defeat is never easy for a regional party and suggested that parties should not steer away from their core ideology. He warned against complacency after long periods in power.
Party Management and Technology
Lokesh revealed he has developed a “full-fledged ERP for a political party” (described as the “Zoho for political parties”) to track the work of karakartas (party workers). This system allows top performers to be recognized through meetings or meals with leadership, ensuring they are not taken for granted.
On the RSS
Having “mapped out” the institution, Lokesh believes the RSS will continue to play a vital role in nation-building over the next 100 years, with “nation first” remaining its core principle.
Election Financing and Reform
Lokesh expressed “shock” and “disillusionment” regarding the inflation rate of election financing, noting rumors that a constituency can cost 100 crores. He advocated for:
- Removing large currency denominations to curb spending.
- Increasing electorate maturity so voters can differentiate between candidates without financial incentives.
- Moving the conversation about political transformation to the grassroots.
The Rumor and Relationship with PM Modi
Lokesh addressed a persistent rumor about a meeting involving his father, a corporate leader, and a former Vice President. He clarified that he met with Prime Minister Modi to personally explain the context of his own meetings. He reported that the Prime Minister laughed off the rumors and encouraged him to “go meet everyone,” even those in the Congress, to get feedback. Lokesh affirmed that the TDP’s support for the Prime Minister is unconditional, citing the need for political stability and strong leadership for India’s growth.